Executives from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand, participated in the 90th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (ASEAN COSTI-90) and the first meetings of its relevant sub-committees to advance regional cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) under the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035, with a focus on translating regional priorities into tangible outcomes.
The meetings were held from 13–15 October 2026 in Da Nang, Viet Nam, which ASEAN Member States participated to discuss implementation approaches and cooperation mechanisms in support of APASTI 2026–2035, while strengthening the region’s long-term research and innovation capabilities. The NSTDA delegation was led by Dr. Somboon Sahasithiwat, Executive Director of the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC).
Executives from NSTDA’s five national research centers participated in the sub-committee meetings in line with their respective areas of expertise. Dr. Somboon Sahasithiwat, ENTEC Executive Director, and Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, Acting Deputy Executive Director of ENTEC, attended the Sub-Committee on Materials and Energy Technology (SC-MET), together with Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, Deputy Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), and Dr. Wiyong Kangwansupamonkon, Deputy Executive Director of the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC).
For the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Dr. Wasan Pattara-atikom, Executive Director, participated in the Sub-Committee on Deep and Emerging Technologies (SC-DET). Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), and Dr. Wirulda Pootakham, Deputy Executive Director, attended the Sub-Committee on Biotechnology and Food Science (SC-BFS). Representatives from NSTDA’s central office also participated in the Sub-Committee on STI Ecosystem (SC-STIE) to follow up on and discuss mechanisms for strengthening ASEAN cooperation across various dimensions.
ENTEC Advances ASEAN Hydrogen Cooperation
A key highlight of the meetings was ENTEC’s presentation of the Low-Carbon H2 ASEAN (LH2ASEAN): Japan–ASEAN Hydrogen Future project. This cross-sectoral initiative seeks to establish integrated cooperation with ASEAN energy networks through the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and the Renewable Energy Sub-Sector Network (RE-SSN). The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) serves as the coordinating body for engagement with ASEAN Member States.
The initiative aims to secure support from the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) to strengthen human resource capacity in low-carbon hydrogen across ASEAN, contributing to the region’s efforts to develop expertise and advance cooperation in clean energy technologies.
